Apoptosis
Programmed cell death, a controlled process where cells systematically dismantle themselves when damaged, infected, or no longer needed. Distinct from necrosis (uncontrolled cell death from injury).
Used in the Books
This term appears in 4 chapters:
"...ou're reading this, millions of your cells are dividing through mitosis (the process where one cell becomes two identical cells), millions are dying (apoptosis), and millions more are becoming specialized for specific functions (differentiation). These aren't random processes."
"...that underperform for years, and strategies that haven't worked for a decade. Biology doesn't. If a trait reduces fitness, it disappears. Chapter 1's apoptosis: programmed death for the good of the organism. Differential survival only works if you measure and act on it. Otherwise, you have variation wit..."
"...'ve established: - Cell theory → Organizational boundaries: Membranes control what enters and exits. Homeostasis maintains internal stability. Apoptosis kills parts for the good of the whole. - Metabolism → Resource management**: Burn rate determines longevity."
"It deactivates p53 - the "guardian of the genome" - just enough to prevent cells from committing suicide (apoptosis) when stressed. Cells survive longer. SIRT3 inhabits mitochondria, improving the efficiency of energy production."
Biological Context
Apoptosis sculpts developing organisms (removing webbing between fingers), eliminates damaged cells before they become cancerous, and removes infected cells. Cancer often involves apoptosis failure. The cell shrinks, fragments its DNA, and packages contents for recycling.
Business Application
Organizational apoptosis: controlled shutdown of failing projects, divisions, or products before they damage the whole. Strategic divestiture is healthier than letting failing units drag down performance.